Prison in Hela to open next month

HAWA Prison in Hela plans to start accommodating prisoners by next month, prison acting commander Sgt Simon Kitingi said yesterday.
“We are planning to open the prison next month when all maintenance work is done but it is yet to be confirmed by the authorities,” he said.
Detainees will start going in and they will not be Hela prisoners sent to Buiebi in Mendi and Baisu in Western Highlands.
Kitingi said the Hela government gave K280,000 and a 10-seater vehicle to assist them continue their maintenance.
“The Hela government previously gave K200,000, adding to K480,000 this year, with Correctional Services to put up their budget soon to fast-track the construction work,” he said.
“All the facilities are old, which we are repairing and putting on the new ones, especially with the male cell block, mess and staff houses.
He said the construction work was done by the staff and not outside contractors.
“Water will be connected and at least 30 to 40 staff are needed when the prison is fully operating, 13 warders are currently looking after the prison site.”
Kitingi said the there was no singles barracks in the female cell block and recruitment would be done in Port Moresby.